The captain is back for more. Defender Michael Orozco will return to Orange County SC, pending league and federation approval, for his fourth season after leading the team to a historic 2021 USL Championship Final victory. Orozco, who turns 36 in February, is set to play in his 400th career professional match during the 2022 USL Championship season.
“I’m proud to be back with Orange County to defend our title,” Orozco said. “New season, new goals. I’m excited to see more fans come to support. Together we will be stronger.”
Last season, Orozco started every match through the Final totaling 3,297 minutes while only missing an astonishing nine minutes of gametime. As one of the central figures in OCSC’s strong backline, Orozco contributed to 81 clearances and 52 interceptions while dishing out two assists. He also scored his first goal in two seasons with a header in late September against Oakland Roots SC at Championship Soccer Stadium.
“We are very excited to have Michael, our captain back for more,” President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said. “Michael is a true champion and his leadership on the field and his mentorship of our younger players is an invaluable asset for our club.”
Since coming home to Orange County in 2019, Orozco has amassed 69 appearances with the Black and Orange, all of them coming as a starter putting his total to 6,266 minutes played. In 2022, Orozco is expected to move into top position for most minutes, appearances and starts for the club all-time. Over the course of his tenure, Orozco has scored three goals and five assists.
“I am delighted to have our captain back with us for another season,” Head Coach Richard Chaplow said. “From the day Michael walked in, his performance level has been consistently high. It is coupled with the leadership qualities he possesses which makes him such a vital component for us.”
This will be Orozco’s 15th professional season in his career that has spanned across the top leagues of Mexico and the United States. Orozco began his professional career with San Luis FC in Liga MX after playing youth soccer in Orange County. He also played for Puebla FC and Club Tijuana as well as MLS side Philadelphia Union during a season-long loan. Orozco also made 29 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team and three appearances for the U.S. during the 2008 Summer Olympics.
With the defending USL champions, Orozco will continue his part in the development of 17-year-old defender Kobi Henry, who received his first senior team call up for the USMNT in December. Meanwhile in the community, the Orange County native will be found imparting his knowledge–both of soccer and life–to the next generation of OC’s champions through coaching his own kids’ teams on the same fields he played on while growing up.
Per club policy, terms of player contracts with Orange County SC will not be released.
The captain is back for more. Defender Michael Orozco will return to Orange County SC, pending league and federation approval, for his fourth season after leading the team to a historic 2021 USL Championship Final victory. Orozco, who turns 36 in February, is set to play in his 400th career professional match during the 2022 USL Championship season.
“I’m proud to be back with Orange County to defend our title,” Orozco said. “New season, new goals. I’m excited to see more fans come to support. Together we will be stronger.”
Last season, Orozco started every match through the Final totaling 3,297 minutes while only missing an astonishing nine minutes of gametime. As one of the central figures in OCSC’s strong backline, Orozco contributed to 81 clearances and 52 interceptions while dishing out two assists. He also scored his first goal in two seasons with a header in late September against Oakland Roots SC at Championship Soccer Stadium.
“We are very excited to have Michael, our captain back for more,” President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said. “Michael is a true champion and his leadership on the field and his mentorship of our younger players is an invaluable asset for our club.”
Since coming home to Orange County in 2019, Orozco has amassed 69 appearances with the Black and Orange, all of them coming as a starter putting his total to 6,266 minutes played. In 2022, Orozco is expected to move into top position for most minutes, appearances and starts for the club all-time. Over the course of his tenure, Orozco has scored three goals and five assists.
“I am delighted to have our captain back with us for another season,” Head Coach Richard Chaplow said. “From the day Michael walked in, his performance level has been consistently high. It is coupled with the leadership qualities he possesses which makes him such a vital component for us.”
This will be Orozco’s 15th professional season in his career that has spanned across the top leagues of Mexico and the United States. Orozco began his professional career with San Luis FC in Liga MX after playing youth soccer in Orange County. He also played for Puebla FC and Club Tijuana as well as MLS side Philadelphia Union during a season-long loan. Orozco also made 29 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team and three appearances for the U.S. during the 2008 Summer Olympics.
With the defending USL champions, Orozco will continue his part in the development of 17-year-old defender Kobi Henry, who received his first senior team call up for the USMNT in December. Meanwhile in the community, the Orange County native will be found imparting his knowledge–both of soccer and life–to the next generation of OC’s champions through coaching his own kids’ teams on the same fields he played on while growing up.
Per club policy, terms of player contracts with Orange County SC will not be released.